Movie News Archives - Page 4 of 18

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD AND RACHAEL LEIGH COOK GET INTO “SPIRIT HALLOWEEN”

The Strike Back Studios, Hideout Pictures and Particular Crowd production, described as the ultimate family/kids adventure film, is eyeing an October 2022 release.

(Los Angeles, CA—April 11, 2022) Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures continue their busy production schedule in 2022 having wrapped principal photography of “Spirit Halloween.” When a new Spirit Halloween store appears in a deserted strip mall, three middle school friends who think they’ve outgrown trick or treating make a dare to spend the night locked inside the store Halloween night. But they soon find out that the store is haunted by an angry evil spirit who has possessed the creepy animatronic characters. The kids embark on a thrilling and spooky adventure in order to survive the night and avoid becoming possessed themselves.

After a nationwide search the production found a group young up & coming actors to round out the cast including Donavan Colan (“Zoe,” “Getaway”), Dylan Martin Frankel (“Raven’s Home,” “Life & Beth”), Jaiden Smith (“Blue Bloods,” “The Mothership”), and Marissa Reyes (“Raven’s Home”).The film also offers audiences a cast filled with beloved veteran actors including Rachael Leigh Cook (“He’s All That,” “Love, Guaranteed”), Christopher Lloyd (“The Tender Bar”, “Back to the Future Trilogy,”) and Marla Gibbs (“El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, “227”).

“One of the reasons I immediately connected with the script is it is very much inspired by some of my favorite kid adventure films growing up from “The Goonies,” “Gremlins,” “Monster Squad” and so many great films made by Amblin Entertainment” said Noor Ahmed president of Strike Back Studios. Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures also recently wrapped production on “Asleep In My Palm” starring Tim Blake Nelson in February, which also saw in February the release of Hideout Pictures production of “Ted K” by Neon. Hideout Pictures is best known for their critically acclaimed western “Old Henry” released in October of 2021.

The production is a collaboration between Hideout Pictures & Particular Crowd in association with Film Mode Entertainment. The feature film is directed by David Poag and written by Billie Bates. Produced by Noor Ahmed and Shannon Houchins, with Tomás’ Yanelevich, Peter Bevan, Mariana Sanjurjo and Clay Epstein executive producing. The production also formed a promotional partnership for the film with Spirit Halloween, with has over 1,425 locations across North America

Rachael Leigh Cook is represented by A3 Artists Agency and Fuller Law; Christopher Lloyd is represented by The Gersh Agency and Andrew Freeman Personal Manager; Marla Gibbs is represented by Momentum Talent & Literary Agency; Donavan Colan is represented by Carson-Adler Agency and Sky Talent Group; Dylan Martin Frankel is represented by CESD Talent Agency, Connecting Talent Company and Innovative Artists; Jaiden Smith is represented by CESD Talent Agency; Marissa Reyes is represented by Stewart Talent and The Michael Abrams Group; Shannon Houchins by Verve Talent and Literary Agency.

About Hideout Pictures
Hideout Pictures is based out of Nashville, TN where their parent company Average Joes Entertainment, a country music lablel was established over a decade ago. Hideout Pictures produced the critically acclaimed and box office hit western “Old Henry” that premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 and was then released October 1, 2021. “Old Henry” stars Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Trace Adkins, and Stephen Dorff. Hidedout also produced “Ted K.” that premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and was released by Neon in March 14, 2022. “Ted K” stars Sharlto Copley in an exploration of Ted Kaczynksi's life in in the years leading up to his arrest as The Unabomber. Hideout is in production of the 3^rd season of docu-series Music’s Greatest Mysteries for AXS TV. In 2019 Hideout Pictures produced Kevin Smith’s last project, “The Jay & Silent Bob Reboot.” Also, that year Hideout produced the sci-fi thriller “3022” staring Kate Walsh and Omar Epps that was released by Saban Films. Hideout’s first production was the series “Still the King” for CMT that starred Billy Ray Cyrus. Hideout has the documentary in post-production currently.

Strike Back Studios recently released the critically acclaimed feature documentary “The United States of Insanity” that screened on over 600 screens nationwide on October 26, 2021, with a limited theatrical run November 12^th before a Video On Demand and DVD release before Christmas and a release of “I, Challenger” across all TVOD/Digital platforms on January 11^th, 2022. Strike Back Studios will next release cinematic racing documentary “Rookie Season” across all TVOD/Digital platforms on April 15^th, 2022 after a limited theatrical run in March. Strike Back Studios in partnership with Hideout Picture’s has been steadily creating/releasing incredible independent film success stories. Strike Back Studios formed a unique partnership in 2020 with regards to the financing and distribution of projects. The goal is to work with producers from the earliest stages of development and production on up. They are embracing the true tenants of film collaboration and are bringing them to global audiences. Strike Back Studios and Hideout Pictures is focused on addressing the growing concerns from producers regarding the distribution of independent features. The companies work with producers early in the production process to develop unique and innovate marketing and promotional strategies for their release. This will save producers from having to rely on taking their project to a film festival with the hope of a major sale to make them financially whole. Strike Back Studios still wants to screen projects at film festival but make the screening part of the distribution release strategy vs sales strategy. Current Strike Back Studios titles available for global audiences can be found at strikebackstudios.com.

About Particular Crowd
Particular Crowd is the original film label of WarnerMedia Latin America, a division of WarnerMedia. The label has already produced more than 100 films aimed at a universal audience, not only across the diversity of Latin America, but around the globe. The films are produced in English, Spanish or Portuguese and cover the popular genres of comedy, romantic comedy, horror, thriller, teen, and family films. It is an initiative focused on films with contained budgets, which puts the consumer first by making its content available on a multi-platform basis, including HBO Max, Linear TV (TNT, SPACE, HBO), cinemas, festivals and digital spaces. Based in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, Particular Crowd has film development, production and co-financing agreements and has already partnered with several leading production companies to generate content. In addition, it seeks to discover new talents and provide access and opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.

web: www.particularcrowd.com.
Ig: @ParticularCrowd

About Film Mode Entertainment
Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as Executive Producer, with the aim of helping producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure for their films. Film Mode’s recent titles include Mayim Bialik’s feature directorial debut, AS THEY MADE US, starring two-time Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award-winner Candice Bergen, Simon Helberg and Dianna Agron, CHICK FIGHT starring Malin Ackerman and Bella Thorne, CRYPTO starring Kurt Russell, Luke Hemsworth and Alexis Bledel, STAGE MOTHER starring Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver, Lucy Liu and Adrian Grenier. Previous releases include SUGAR MOUNTAIN starring Jason Momoa, and THE GOOD NEIGHBOR starring Academy Award-nominee James Caan. Film Mode accelerated their growth and expanded their capabilities by entering into a partnership with SCREEN MEDIA, representing their catalogue of more than 600 titles, including WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE starring Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance, and MONSTER, starring Charlize Theron who won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress for the film. The company also has its own distribution arm, as well as a documentary label, DocMode. Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills, CA. For more information, visit www.filmmodeentertainment.com

About Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween (SpiritHalloween.com) is the largest Halloween retailer in the country, with over 1,425 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. Celebrating more than 37 years of business, Spirit is the premier destination for all things Halloween, offering one-stop shopping for everything from costumes to décor and party goods to accessories. In addition to being a fun and interactive event for shoppers, Spirit stores offer complete selections of costumes and accessories for infants/toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, and adults, along with exclusive décor you won't find anywhere else. For more information, please visit: SpiritHalloween.com

PAFF ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP FOR 2022 PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

REMEMBER ME, THE MAHALIA JACKSON STORY Opens 30th Edition of America’s Largest Black Film Festival, Apri 19 - May 1

Over 200 films from 55 countries to be shown at Cinemark Baldwin Hills

LOS ANGELES, California – Today, PAFF announced the full lineup for the 30th annual Pan African Film & Arts Film Festival, the largest Black film festival in America, taking place April 19 - May 1, 2022. This year the Festival will make its return to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills for in-person screenings, featuring over 200 films from 55 countries, in 18 languages, including 58 World and 32 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 46% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers, and 80% are directed by filmmakers of African descent. Many titles will also be available virtually for in-home screenings via the Festival’s streaming platform Eventive to audiences worldwide. The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will once again host its renowned Artfest, featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. Festival Passes and individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.paff.org.

BIG NIGHTS

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival opens Apr. 19 at the Directors Guild of America with REMEMBER ME, a poignant look into the life and rise of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and starring Grammy-winning singer Ledisi. The Centerpiece presentation are the winning films from the JOHN SINGLETON SHORT FILM COMPETITION. Inspired by the legacy of the late Los Angeles-born legendary African American filmmaker, John Singleton, the competition is the result of a partnership between the City of Los Angeles and PAFF under L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson’s embRACE L.A. initiative and is designed to honor Singleton’s cinematic legacy while simultaneously celebrating his unapologetic approach to filmmaking. The Festival will also host the premiere of FX Network’s hotly anticipated “Snowfall” Season 5 finale and Showtime’s “The Man Who Fell From Earth,” starring Chiwetel Ejiofo. The full schedule is available in the online Festival Program.

Click here to download PAFF's 2022 Quick Facts and Highlights

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

7,200 miles away from Los Angeles in Ougadodo, Burkina Faso, the idea to showcase Black film and filmmakers in Los Angeles was born. It was 1989, the 20th anniversary of FESPACO also known as The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, the largest film festival in Africa. There, Ayuko Babu, Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethan Weapon), and others with the help of then-Chairman of the U.S. Subcommittee on Africa Rep. Mervyn Dymally and Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaoré conceived a plan to bring African cinema to the U.S. Thirty years later, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is still going strong and is the largest Black film festival in America.

Ticketing

Festival Passes and individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.paff.org.

Festival Sponsors and Partners

PAFF is sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell through the Department of Arts and Culture, LA Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, LA Councilmember Curren Price, LA Councilmember Herb Wesson, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund with the California Community Foundation, and the LA County COVID-19 Arts Relief Fund administered by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival's sponsors include major Festival sponsors: Stocker Street Creative, FX Networks, and Glassdoor.

About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja'Net DuBois ("Good Times"), and Ayuko Babu (Executive Director), the Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festivals in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America.

For media inquiries please contact press@paff.org.

IN-PERSON
The 30th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival
April 19-May 1, 2022

Cinemark Baldwin Hills 15 | Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

List of Music Films Screening at 30th Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Check out the dynamic line-up of music films screening this year at the 3oth Pan African Film and Arts Festival 2022

Oscar Peterson: Black + White (Documentary, 83 min, Canada) Directed by Barry Avrich

This film explores the life and legacy of the great Afro-Canadian jazz icon and composer Oscar Peterson -- his sound, stardom, and staggering virtuosity. His family are among the people who fled or migrated to Canada from slavery and individual acts of racism or structural racism in the United States. This ground-breaking “docu-concert” delves into the seven-decade career of this jazz master from his days as a child prodigy in Canada to the development of his signature sound on recordings with his trio, and from collaborations with the legends of his era to his brilliant solo performances around the world — as well as his tenacious experiences confronting racism and segregation while touring the United States and the world, which culminated with his epic composition, Hymn to Freedom, inspired by Mr. Nelson Mandela and his peoples’ struggle for freedom and majority rule.

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away (Documentary, 82 min, US) Directed by Charles Todd & Devin Amar

The story of Buddy Guy, who transcended his early years sharecropping in 1940s racist Louisiana to become one of music’s most influential guitarists, directly inspiring Taj Mahal, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. A tale of decades-long perseverance, Buddy’s journey reflects his peoples’ experiences in America through their music--the blues.

Love, Longing, Loss: At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague (Documentary, 60 min, US) Directed by Dorothy Darr

This film is about the amazing Charles Lloyd, one of the iconic jazz saxophonists of the 20^th and 21^st centuries, and the effects of the isolation due to the plague (COVID and its variants) which created a period of reflection, revelation and resourcefulness. Filmed over the course of several months using iPhone and Lumix cameras and a portable Zoom recorder, the film provides a rare and intimate insight into the artistry of Charles Lloyd--including his reflections on music, solitude, resistance, social injustice, his ancestry, as well as solo performances.

Tonton Manu (Documentary, 90 min, Brazil/Cameroon/Congo-Brazzaville/DRC/Côte d'Ivoire/France/Guadeloupe/UK/US) Directed by Patrick Puzenat & Thierry Dechilly (about the great Manu Dibango, who brought Soul Makossa to the world and influenced Michael Jackson’s album Thriller. Tonton means uncle in various African languages.)

This film, begun at the dawn of Manu’s eightieth birthday and completed five years later to the day, is a portrait of the great musician Manu Dibango, tireless defender of the mix of cultures that takes us to three continents. Rhythmic by a diversity of exchanges and the convictions of personalities, this sensitive and modest portrait is interspersed with moments of musical grace where the great Manu creates instances of pure emotion from his saxophone.

The Rumba Kings (Documentary, 94 min, Belgium/DRC/France/Morocco/Peru/US) Directed by Alan Brain

This wonderful film celebrates the great Pan African music that came out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation that fought slavery and colonial oppression for its freedom. They forged a modern identity with the help of this music. In the 1950s, when the DRC was a Belgian colony, a generation of great Congolese musicians fused traditional African rhythms and music with Afro-Cuban rhythms and music to create the electrifying beat of a new Pan African sound called Congolese rumba. A beat that would carry Congo through its 1960s independence struggle and conquer Pan African nations and communities worldwide with its infectious groove, captivating guitar licks, and smooth vocals.

Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (Narrative Feature, 90 min, US) Directed by Denise Dowse

The Opening Night film celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the Pan African Film Festival on April 9@7:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America

An insightful look into the life and ascent of legendary, iconic, and mystic Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson. This film focuses on her search to balance her gift, love, and her activism during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Mahalia broke racial, gender, business, and musical barriers and participated fully in the civil rights movement. She influenced such singers as Aretha Franklin, the Staple Singers, Nina Simone, and many others. She was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was his favorite singer. When Dr. King was depressed and feeling low, wherever he was in the world and no matter what time it was, he would call Mahalia and ask her to sing a song. As a civil rights activist she was conscious of her power in the movement, among the people and with Dr. King. An example of this mystical connection between her, the people and Dr. King is when Dr. King was giving the keynote speech at the 1963 March on Washington in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial and millions of people watching on television worldwide. As he soared into his oratory, Mahalia can be heard saying “Martin, tell them about your dream.” He seamlessly soared into his dream which had an electrifying effect on the multitudes who were present and listening from around the world. The speech became the famous, iconic “I Have a Dream Speech,” considered one of the greatest speeches ever given. It is truly an honor for the Pan African Film Festival to have the opportunity to showcase this wonderful film about this iconic sister as the Opening Night film celebrating our 30^th Anniversary on April 19@7:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America.

Ayinla (Narrative Feature, 119 min, Nigeria) Directed by Tunde Kelani

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful range of hills and valleys in the southwestern Nigerian countryside, AYINLA is inspired by the life and times of Ayinla Omowura, a popular Yoruba musician in rural Nigeria. Ayinla was the decisive proponent of the important music from the Yoruba people called Apala. As a result of his innovations, creativity, musicianship and spirituality, as well as his ability to speak to the conditions of the people, this music has spread around the world and has produced such superstars as Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, Chief Sonny Ade, Hugh Masekela, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Bobby Benson, Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Tony Allen and many others. Apala music is so powerful that it can be heard somewhere on the planet Earth in various forms such as fuji music every day. The film captures the story of this musical superstar who comes to a tragic end as his stardom was ascending. Forty years after his death, his legacy and Apala music remains popular and relevant today.

KIMSTIM PRESENTS A TRANCE FILMS PRODUCTION

WOOD AND WATER
A FILM BY: JONAS BAK

(c) KimStim, Trance Films - Wood and Water - Anke Bak

Director, Writer and Editor: Jonas Bak
Starring: Anke Bak, Ricky Yeung, Alexandra Batten, Patrick Lo, Theresa Bak, Patrick Shum, Edward Chan, Susanne Johnssen, Lena Ackermann, Amy Aceituna and Christel Johnssen.
Music: Brian Eno
Feature Film)
Run time: 1hour 19 minutes
Country: Germany, and Hong Kong
Language: German, English and Cantonese

(c) KimStim, Trance Films - Wood and Water -

(c) KimStim, Trance Films - Wood and Water - Alexandra Batten_Anke Bak

WOOD AND WATER will be released theatrically in New York (MOMA) on March 24 with a Los Angeles and national release to follow.

WINNER! BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL- SPECIAL MENTION: COMPASS-PERSPEKTIVE-AWARD

OFFICIAL SELECTION: NEW DIRECTORS/ NEW FILMS FESTIVAL

With seamless grace, German director Jonas Bak moves from the tall spires of the Black Forest to the teeming skyscrapers of Hong Kong in his tranquil, deeply moving feature debut. Newly retired from her church job, Anke dreams of spending time with her grown children—including her uncommunicative and elusive son, Max, who has been living for years in Hong Kong, and who is unable to join his mother and sister back in Germany due to the ongoing pro-democracy protests.

(c) KimStim, Trance Films - Wood and Water - Anke Bak Patrick Lo

In a daring decision, Anke, though suffering from loneliness and loss, travels to Hong Kong to find Max and perhaps also herself. The people she encounters, and her experience of the city help her to break down the inner walls she constructed years ago, and make way for a new chapter in her life.

In his hushed, wholly original approach to this fish-out-of-water set-up, Bak constructs a gentle, ambiguous fable of becoming, shot on 16mm and featuring a wondrous, naturalistic performance by his own mother, Anke Bak.

Filmmaker Jonas Bak

JONAS BAK - (Writer/ Director/ Editor)

Born in Konstanz in 1985, and now based in Freiburg, Jonas Bak studied film directing at Edinburgh College of Art before moving to London in 2015, and then Hong Kong in 2018 to work as a freelance film director and director of photography.

He wrote and directed two short films, WANDERDRACHEN (2016) and ONE AND MANY (2017), both of which were screened at international film festivals including Molodist, Curtacinema Rio de Janeiro and Pacific Meridian. WOOD AND WATER (2021) is his first feature film.

ABOUT KIMSTIM

KimStim is a Brooklyn-based, full-service distribution company dedicated to releasing exceptional independent, foreign, and documentary films. KimStim brings to the US, and North American audiences selected films from around the world gleaned from the most prestigious film festivals and includes top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, and Tribeca. Signature releases include Hu Bo’s epic masterpiece, AN ELEPHANT SITTING STILL, the 2020 Oscar Shortlisted Best International Feature HOPE, and HAPPY HOUR by the Oscar-Nominated Director of DRIVE MY CAR, Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

WEBSITE: www.kimstim.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
IG: kimstim_films
TW: @KimStimFilms
FB: @kimstim

30 Years of Pan African Film and Arts Festival in Pictures

Each month in 2022 a specially curated block of films will be showcased virtually under the BEST OF PAFF RETROSPECTIVE SERIES.

Each month in 2022 a specially curated block of films will be showcased virtually under the
BEST OF PAFF RETROSPECTIVE SERIES.

A special BEST OF PAFF RETROSPECTIVE SERIES VIRTUAL FESTIVAL will be held FEB. 15-28 for Black History Month highlighting PAFF’s most popular films over the past 30 years. Films will be available on-demand.

Ayuko Babu and Idris Elba

Denzel Washington and Ayuko Babu

THE 24 ANNUAL PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL HELD AT THE RACVE CINEMAS 15 ON FEBRUARY 14, 2016 PHOTOS BY VALERIE GOODLOE

Common and Sheri Sheppard

Ava Duvernay and Ryan Coogler

Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart _ Will Packer

Taraji P. Henson and John Singleton

ABOUT PAFF

PAFF was founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon”), the beloved Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu (pronounced Eye-you-co Bah-boo), an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in African Affairs. PAFF is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art, and other creative expressions.

Documentary WORST TO FIRST: The True Story of Z100 New York Nationwide release on major US and Canadian VOD platforms on February 11

WORST TO FIRST THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK New Key Art

Available on February 11th on:

US CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

<US VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CANADIAN VOD PLATFORM: Apple/ iTunes

View Clips of Film!

A List of Films and Trailers for the Best of PAFF Retrospective Series Virtual Festival Feb. 15-28 Black History Month

41st and Central

500 Years Later Photo: PAFF

Bobby Seale, right, chairman of the Black Panther Party, is one of three speakers at a sidewalk news conference in Oakland, Ca., Nov. 21, 1968. The other speakers are Ben Stewart, left, head of the Black Students organization at San Francisco State, and George Murray, center dark glasses, suspended teacher at State. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)

Agent of Change

Ancestral Voices- Esoteric African Knowledge

Bigman Wahala

Caged Birds

Coming-from-Insanity

Congo White King Red Rubber Black Death

Firestarter-The-Story-of-Bangarra

Love Jacked

Maya Angelou- And Still I Rise

Nassers Republic- The Making of Modern Egypt

October 1

Of Good Report

Rattlesnake

The Case of the Three Sided Dream

The Forgotten Kingdom

The Milkmaid

Viva -Riva

Invitation to special Q and A event hosted by Rainn Wilson: SALT IN MY SOUL on February 8

Join us on Tuesday Feb 8th at 4:00 PM PT/ 7:00 PM ET for a very special free virtual Q&A moderated by Rainn Wilson (The Office)
all about the new documentary SALT IN MY SOUL.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 3, Mallory Smith turned to a secret diary to record her inner thoughts . Using that treasure trove of writing, and hours of audio and video, the film is a classic coming-of-age story with a twist, and a rare look into the mind of a young woman trying to live fully while dying.

This will be an exciting conversation about how SALT IN MY SOUL got made, what friends and family went through witnessing this journey, and how Mallory's private journals led to a best-selling book and acclaimed documentary film. We'll also hear from experts and leaders about how their expertise intersected with Mallory's story in vital ways and the future of phages as well as the need for more research and resources into compassionate use.

Featuring:
Will Battersby (Director)
Diane Shader Smith (Mallory's mom)
Micah Smith (Mallory's brother)
Maya Humes (Mallory's friend)
Gunnar Esiason (Cystic Fibrosis and rare disease patient leader)
Dr. Ben Chan(Scientific Director of Yale Phage Center)
Steffanie Strathdee, PhD (Co-Director of IPATH & author, The Perfect Predator)

ABOUT THIS EVENT
Tuesday, February 8, 2022

-7:00 PM- 8:00 PM ET
-4:00 PM- 5:00 PM PT

REGISTER TO ATTEND AT:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salt-in-my-soul-virtual-panel-hosted-by-rainn-wilson-tickets-259568896557?fbclid=IwAR2S23ZYtjcD0Itdjsy9bLz3vg1RRPU6U1jswvRdpdQ_R_stuiiKp4I9SUQ

SPONSORED BY: Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute
RENT THE FILM BEFOREHAND on digital platforms -

More info here: https://saltinmysouldoc.com/#watch

100% of the profits from the film are being donated to research into antimicrobial resistance (superbugs) and phage therapy.

Further information about the film also follows:

GIANT PICTURES PRESENTS
A 3 Arts Entertainment and Reno Productions film

Photo Dec 03_ 4 28 47 PM.jpg

SALT IN MY SOUL

A Feature Documentary Film by Will Battersby
Run time: 96 Minutes (USA- Feature Documentary)

SALT IN MY SOUL is currently available worldwide on all major VOD Platforms.

VOD Platforms in key territories:

US- Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft/Xbox, Vudu
Canada- Apple TV/ITunes, Microsoft/Xbox
UK- Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft/Xbox
Ireland- Apple TV/iTunes, Google Play

Cable Platforms:

US- InDemand TVOD (Comcast, Spectrum, Cox), DirectTV/AT&T and more

Based on the bestselling posthumously published memoir of the same name, SALT IN MY SOUL is a documentary and classic coming of age story about a young woman figuring out how to live while dying. Mallory Smith was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three. In her twenty five-year battle with the deadly disease, she carved out a life that most of us don’t come close to. Using Mallory’s posthumously published 2500-page secret diaries, hundreds of hours of newly discovered footage, and audio recordings, the film offers Mallory as the narrator of her own extraordinary chronicle.

Following her realization at age nine that she would die young, Mallory secretly began to record her inner thoughts in her diary while throwing herself at life: friendships in elementary school, lovers and sports teams in high school, the little travel her disease would allow. She attended college and explored the wider world, one that was just beyond her grasp. She became a devoted environmentalist, seeing a startling and vivid metaphor for her declining health in the destruction of our world. Her father feverishly researched treatment options, desperate that the death sentence be commuted. Her mother obsessively helped her to live, cooking to maintain her weight and create community, raising money for research, and teaching her to prioritize relationships over all else. Mallory fought. And she wrote; about her fears, her loves, her pain, her depression, her hopes, and gave a voice to the many millions who struggle with invisible or visible illness. In Mallory’s final days, her father uncovered a long-forgotten treatment that is now changing the world of medicine. Heartbreakingly, it came too late to save his daughter.

Mallory was a young woman who lived with illness her whole life, who suffered immeasurably but who always found the will to live happy. Her story is a testament to enduring parental love and determination and the healing power of memoir as medicine, inspiring all of us to live life as fully as possible in the face of the challenges we all face.

Will Battersby (Filmmaker) has been producing documentaries and features for 15 years. His first documentary as producer, Trumbo, won the National Board of Review Freedom of Speech award. The film, about blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, was released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

SALT IN MY SOUL is Will’s second documentary as director. The first, The Canal, will be released by Showtime which is currently adapting it into a limited series. Will is producing alongside Patricia Arquette, who will also direct. The Canal is the first feature documentary about the environmental tragedy in the Love Canal neighborhood of Niagara Falls and the extraordinary group of working-class women who fought to save their families.

Will’s narrative feature credits include: SXSW favorite The Spine of Night, a hand-drawn animated fantasy film that RLJE released in October 2021, which stars Richard E. Grant, Lucy Lawless and Patton Oswalt; Stephen King’s A Good Marriage starring Joan Allen; They Remain starring Will Jackson Harper, and The Bleeding House, the first feature from Emmy Award-winning writer/director Philip Gelatt (Love, Death & Robots). Will served as Head of Development on Alex Gibney’s Oscar-nominated documentary Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, and Stephen Soderbergh’s Bubble.

https://twitter.com/SaltInMySoulDoc
http://www.facebook.com/SaltInMySoulDoc
http://www.instagram.com/SaltInMySoulDoc

ABOUT THE BOOK

SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life, by Mallory Smith, is a powerful, intimate, and inspiring portrait of a brave young woman living with chronic illness. Mallory understood that patient voices need to be amplified in order to improve healthcare, that the i ntersection of human behavior and nature is critical to environmental sustainability, and that love and friendship give life meaning. As Mallory’s body deteriorated, she sharpened her mind, crystalized her thinking, and honed her writing skills. In her 2500 pages of private journal entries, she created poetry out of prosaic experiences. Beautifully written, provocative, and peppered with insights, SALT IN MY SOUL reminds us to follow Mallory's mantra and "Live Happy."

For more information about the book SALT IN MY SOUL: An Unfinished Life please go to: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/607965/salt-in-my-soul-by-mallory-smith/

GIANT PICTURES

Giant Pictures is a leading digital distributor that is committed to empowering filmmakers to own their distribution. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, we work directly with rights owners to distribute movies and TV shows to VOD and streaming platforms in North America and worldwide. Our content partners range from first-time filmmakers to award-winning independent producers, as well as notable studios Alamo Drafthouse Films, Abramorama Selects, Participant, Tribeca Enterprises, Utopia Distribution, and XYZ Films. A division of Giant Interactive, the award-winning digital media and technology services company, we distribute across 45+ platforms, including AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Peacock.

Learn more at: www.giant.pictures

View New Trailer “WORST TO FIRST: The True Story of Z100 NYC”

Director, Writer and Producer: Mitchell Stuart
Producers: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell
Cast: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.
Genre: Feature Documentary
Rating: G
Runtime: 1 hour 4 minutes

Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit_ Gunpowder & Sky)

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/ iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

Jon Bon Jovi from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky)

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music. Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

Dennis Hopper’s OUT OF THE BLUE: Review

When Life Comes At You Like A Big-Rig Truck

Original Release: April 1982
Director: Dennis Hopper
Writers: Leonard Yakir, Brenda Nielson, Dennie Hopper
Starring: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon , Raymond Burr
Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne
Genre: Drama
Country: Canada
Language: English

Dennis Hopper's 1980 film 'OUT OF THE BLUE' is as powerful now, as it was 40 years ago. Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne at Discovery Production, who restored the film and bringing it to a whole new generation of movie goers.

This raw and in-your-face film shows the struggles of Don Barnes (Dennie Hopper), a truck driver and alcoholic, who serves a five-years prison for driving under the influence and crashing his big rig truck into a school bus and taking the lives of children, his wife, Kathy (Sharon Farrell), a drug addict, and mother of his teenage daughter, Cebe (Linda Manz), who is obsessed with her dad, Elvis Pressley and the Sex Pistol and carries the burden and struggles of her parents on her shoulders and there is Charlie (Don Gordon) his best friend and Dr. Brean (Raymond Burr),
a psychologist who treats an out-of-control Cebe.

OUT OF THE BLUE- Dennis Hopper (Whiskey) (Photo Credit: Discovery Productions

As Cebe said, "I don't wanna to hear about you, I wanna hear from you. A statement that gives insight to her belief in the importance of finding your voice. Something she struggled with and expressing herself through her love of Elvis Pressly and the Sex Pistols.

Set in the northwest of Canada with its beautiful surroundings, the rebelliousness of Cebe, who constantly runs away from home, making her way to Vancouver. During her time out on the streets, she lives out her dream of playing drums with a Punk rock band, steals a car and get arrested.

Struggling with her father's incarceration and her mother's drug addiction, has her growing up before her time and taking on the role of the parent. A huge burden for any teenage to deal with.

OUT-OF-THE-BLUE-Dennis-Hopper-Jail-Phone-Photo-Credit: DiscoveryP roductions-

Watching this gripping film, it becomes clear why 'OUT OF THE BLUE' did not get a U.S release in 1980. The film is full of graphic and intense subject, topics and lifestyle choices that many in society where not ready to see on the big screen at the time.

The title of the film comes from to Neil Young's 1979 album 'Rust Never Sleeps' and includes songs from it as well.

The steady trauma experienced by Don, Cebe and Kathy comes so fast and steady, it makes you wonder how a person survives and thrive in such an environment.

OUT OF THE BLUE is definitely a film worth seeing, just be sure to hold onto your seats.

Presented by Chloë Sevigny & Natasha Lyonne
Production Co: Discovery Production, Robson Street
Run time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Starring: Linda Manz, Dennis Hopper, Sharon Farrell, Don Gordon, Raymond Burr
Director Dennis Hopper
Writers: Leonard Yakir, Brenda Nielson, Dennie Hopper
Cinematography: Marc Champion
Editor: Doris Dyck
Music: Tom Lavin